Master Business Licence Registration in Ontario

ByMegan Carson
How to obtain a master business license

Original Publish Date: Jul 22, 2019 

If you’re starting a business in Ontario, you have two main registration options. You can choose incorporation or a Business Name Registration (BNR), previously called a Master Business Licence (MBL). This legal document allows you to operate your business under your chosen business name across Ontario.

Wondering how to get a Master Business License in Ontario? You can apply through the Ontario Business Registry or an authorized intermediary like Ontario Business Central. This guide will explain the benefits, requirements, and steps for registering a master business licence in Canada and how to register online.

Types of Master Business Licence / Business Name Registration

When you register an Ontario business licence, there are three structures available. Here’s how to get a business license in Ontario for each option.

  • Sole Proprietorship: For a single business owner operating individually. Registering a sole proprietorship is often the simplest option for small businesses.
  • General Partnership: For two or more owners sharing responsibilities in the business.
  • Trade Name: For an existing corporation that wishes to operate under an additional business name.

A master business license in Ontario is easy and affordable to obtain. The Government of Ontario provides the documents directly by email. You can apply through Service Ontario for a Master Business Licence online, making it simple to register and operate legally in the province.

What Information is on a Master Business Licence?

Once your Business Name Registration or Master Business License is complete, you’ll receive a PDF document. This includes your business name, address, owner name(s), and your specific business activity. Additionally, it will list a Business Identification Number (BIN), which is unique to each Ontario Master Business License. Use this number to make amendments or renew the Master Licence in Ontario every five years.

If you have a Trade Name, the document will show the corporate entity linked to it. A BNR does not provide name protection in Ontario. It may be beneficial to conduct a company name search in Ontario before registering to avoid potential conflicts.

We often receive the question “Do I need a business license in Ontario?”. If you operate using anything other than your legal name, your business requires a registration to use that name.

If you are wondering how to obtain a business license in Ontario, a Master Business License in Ontario sample can help you understand the required information and the layout of the final document.

Master Business Licence Sample
get your master business licence today

Benefits & Limitations of a Master Business Licence or Business Name Registration

A Master Business License in Ontario, Canada allows small business owners to access essential business services and resources. While a MBL or Business Name Registration provides benefits, it’s important to know its limitations too.

Benefits

  • 5-Year Registration: With simple renewals every five years, this is a straightforward option for most.
  • Proof of Business Operations: You can use your MBL to open a business bank account, apply for tax accounts, and qualify for wholesale pricing with suppliers.
  • Access Government Support: You may be eligible to apply for business grants with a registered business name.

Limitations

  • No Name Protection: Unlike incorporated businesses, sole proprietorships and general partnerships don’t have exclusive rights to their business name.
  • No Limited Liability: Unlike a corporation, a MBL is not a separate legal entity from the business owners. It does not offer protection from personal liability, which may be a consideration for some businesses.
  • No Corporate Tax Benefits: Some tax advantages apply only to corporations, not sole proprietors or partnerships.

New Requirements in the Ontario Business Registry (OBR)

Ontario’s Business Registry system issues a unique company key with each new registration. Store this company key securely, as it functions like a password. With the company key, you can easily update business information, renew your registration, or change your business activity. Businesses with a master license in Ontario that do not have a company key can apply to receive a key.

How Much is a Business License in Ontario?
The government fee for registration is $60.00. The total price can vary depending on if you include options like a preliminary name search or tax account set up. Our Business Name Registration page allows you to build your own package to see the total price.

How to Get a Copy of a Master Business License in Ontario?
Replacement copies of your Business Name Registration are only available if you registered or renewed after October 19, 2021. You can find these replacements under Due Diligence Searches listed as “Ontario Business Name Searches”.

Help with CRA Accounts

When you register your master business license, Ontario Business Central can assist with setting up your CRA accounts. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN), GST/HST registration, or payroll accounts. For Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships, your personal SIN links to the BN.

For Trade Names, the corporation links to the CRA accounts instead. This difference influences how you report your business income and expenses. When you incorporate in Ontario, the Service Ontario Business Registry requests a BN from the CRA on your behalf.

Renewing Your Master Business Licence

Your Ontario Master Business Licence or Business Name Registration in Ontario is valid for five years before it must be renewed.

A 60-day grace period after the expiration date allows for late renewal without penalty. After this period, the license expires, requiring a new registration with a new BIN and creation date. Ontario Business Central will notify you before the expiry date to help you renew on time. Our website offers the option to renew your Master Business License in Canada using our service.

Why Choose Ontario Business Central?

Here are some reasons to choose Ontario Business Central to register your master business licence in Ontario:

  • Business Name Pre-Screening: We can check your name for conflicts before registering, which helps avoid issues down the line. Including an optional NUANS search, we can look for existing businesses, corporations, and trademarks across Canada.
  • Document Storage: We store your Business Name Registration, providing a copy if needed.
  • Renewal Reminders: With reminders sent before expiration, we help you stay compliant without the worry of missing renewal dates.

The registration process varies by location. If you’re outside Ontario and have questions about a business license, please check our contact information. At Ontario Business Central, we are always happy to help an entrepreneur get their business started!

inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.

Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.

Megan Carson
Megan Carson

Megan joined OBC in 2022 as a registration specialist and quickly made her mark. She has since seamlessly transitioned to the social media team, where she creates engaging videos and compelling content that attract new clients. Megan's dedication, creativity, and supportive nature have become key drivers of the team’s success. Now, she’s expanding her impact by sharing her knowledge through our blog, offering clients valuable insights and practical advice to help them grow their businesses. Her innovative content strategies and ability to connect with clients make her an invaluable asset to our brand and community.